Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in North Carolina: $56,639 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across North Carolina's 45 metropolitan areas, the average median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay sits at $56,639/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 49-9021. Because North Carolina sits at BEA RPP 93.6 (6% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $60,512 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Concord ($57,778), Charlotte ($56,848), Chapel Hill ($56,691).
The projected average median salary for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in North Carolina is $56,639 in 2026, which is approximately 5.9% lower than the national median of $60,174. The variances in pay across the state are significant, with the highest salary in Concord at $59,985 and the lowest in Jacksonville at $47,905, creating a wage gap of $12,080. This difference is largely influenced by urban demand, cost of living, and competition for skilled labor in metropolitan areas. In North Carolina, professionals in this field must navigate state licensing requirements and scope of practice laws that ensure competency and safety in their work. The state's economic growth, population influx, and increasing reliance on HVAC systems in residential and commercial buildings drive demand for qualified mechanics and installers. With a projected annual growth rate of 3.82%, the job market in this sector shows positive indications for employment stability and opportunities. The total number of employed professionals in this field is forecasted to be 12,724 by 2026, signifying a steady demand for skilled workers across several urban centers, including top-paying cities like Charlotte and Chapel Hill.
North Carolina Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary Range
Overall salary range in North Carolina: $33,954 (lowest entry-level) to $92,977 (highest top earner)
North Carolina vs National Average
North Carolina heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn 5.87% less than the national median ($-3,535/year difference).
North Carolina Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary Distribution (2026)
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer salaries in North Carolina range from $38,422 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $75,808 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $56,639. The North Carolina median is $3,535 below the US national median of $60,174. The average hourly rate is $27.23/hr. Approximately 12,724 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers are employed across 45 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$44,035
2025 BLS Actual
$54,555
2026 Current Est.
$56,639
2019–2027 Growth
+33.5%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in North Carolina (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,035 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,320 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,781 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,289 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,020 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,540 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,555 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,639 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,803 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the North Carolina metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 23.9% from $44,035 (2019) to $54,555 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $58,803 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,768 (33.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Carolina metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.82% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in North Carolina
Lowest Paying Cities in North Carolina
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Jacksonville | $47,905 |
| Wilmington | $49,176 |
| Hickory | $49,610 |
| Leland | $50,703 |
| Goldsboro | $50,833 |
Best Value Cities for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in North Carolina
When adjusted for local cost of living, these North Carolina cities offer the most purchasing power for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concord | $59,985 | 93.6 | $64,087 |
| Chapel Hill | $58,857 | 93.6 | $62,881 |
| Rocky Mount | $54,927 | 88.012 | $62,409 |
| Greensboro | $57,718 | 92.865 | $62,153 |
| Cary | $57,816 | 93.6 | $61,769 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in North Carolina
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $38,422 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $56,639 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $75,808 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across North Carolina metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 45 Cities in North Carolina
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Concord | $59,985 |
| 2 | Charlotte | $59,020 |
| 3 | Chapel Hill | $58,857 |
| 4 | Durham | $58,369 |
| 5 | Raleigh | $58,092 |
| 6 | Cary | $57,816 |
| 7 | Gastonia | $57,761 |
| 8 | Greensboro | $57,718 |
| 9 | Asheville | $57,323 |
| 10 | High Point | $56,829 |
| 11 | Winston-Salem | $56,588 |
| 12 | Fayetteville | $55,449 |
| 13 | Huntersville | $55,186 |
| 14 | Kannapolis | $55,099 |
| 15 | Apex | $54,970 |
| 16 | Rocky Mount | $54,927 |
| 17 | Winston | $54,601 |
| 18 | Statesville | $54,147 |
| 19 | Kernersville | $54,101 |
| 20 | Matthews | $53,974 |
| 21 | Cornelius | $53,881 |
| 22 | Sanford | $53,834 |
| 23 | Wake Forest | $53,833 |
| 24 | Morrisville | $53,808 |
| 25 | Fuquay-Varina | $53,665 |
| 26 | Salisbury | $53,656 |
| 27 | Thomasville | $53,567 |
| 28 | New Bern | $53,545 |
| 29 | Mint Hill | $53,533 |
| 30 | Holly Springs | $52,686 |
| 31 | Mooresville | $52,520 |
| 32 | Monroe | $52,499 |
| 33 | Greenville | $52,431 |
| 34 | Garner | $52,380 |
| 35 | Wilson | $52,342 |
| 36 | Boone | $52,116 |
| 37 | Pinehurst | $51,859 |
| 38 | Burlington | $51,731 |
| 39 | Indian Trail | $51,664 |
| 40 | Carrboro | $51,463 |
| 41 | Goldsboro | $50,833 |
| 42 | Leland | $50,703 |
| 43 | Hickory | $49,610 |
| 44 | Wilmington | $49,176 |
| 45 | Jacksonville | $47,905 |
More North Carolina Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer hourly pay in North Carolina cities.
Entry Level
Starting salaries for new heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers.
Compare Cities in North Carolina
View all comparisons →Explore More Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in North Carolina in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in North Carolina?
How does North Carolina heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in North Carolina?
How many heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers are employed in North Carolina?
Which North Carolina city offers the best value for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers?
Written by Jordan Lee, HVAC Technician
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in HVAC systems. He specializes in residential installation and maintenance.
Methodology & Data Source
Statewide salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.82% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer compensation across North Carolina. State averages are employment-weighted across 45 metro areas — larger metro areas with more heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installerscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.82%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers (SOC 49-9021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, HVAC Technician, a licensed heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov